DES MOINES –In response to possible cuts and the privatization of Medicare health benefits under the Trump administration, Iowa Democratic Party Chair, Dr. Andy McGuire, issued the following statement:
“Medicare is a necessary and indispensable health care program that ensures our elderly receive the adequate and affordable health care they deserve. Iowa houses one of the most elderly populations in the country, and it is the duty of our Representatives in Congress to preserve this vital program at all costs. Democrats applaud Congressman Dave Loebsack and his steadfast efforts to preserve and to strengthen Medicare services.
“We call on Representatives King, Blum and Young to join Congressman Loebsack in a commitment to the preservation of Medicare. An assault on Medicare would result in fewer doctors, less benefits and an increase in out-of-pocket costs. It is irresponsible for Paul Ryan and fellow GOP members of Congress to label Medicare as an ‘entitlement’ program. Medicare provides much needed health care to our senior citizens who have worked hard and earned these benefits.
“Iowa Democrats are fully prepared to continue to hold our elected officials accountable for their campaign promises, their rhetoric and their votes. Roughly fifteen percent of Iowa’s population is over the age of 65. Iowa Republican must put their constituents above partisan politics and fight to protect Medicare benefits without raising the retirement age or turning it into a voucher program.
“It has been a bitter election cycle, but now it is time for members of Congress to focus on pursuing policies that are in the best interests of the people, not party leaders or campaign donors. Iowans have entrusted Representatives King, Blum and Young to work on their behalf and protect their best interests. We believe this entails preserving a Medicare health care system that keeps millions of Iowans in good health and out of poverty.
Background: Over the weekend, the Des Moines Register blasted Paul Ryan (R-WI) and fellow Republicans for perpetuating false statements that claim Medicare is going broke because of the Affordable Health Care Act. This misinformation comes as no surprise to anyone who has followed Ryan’s political career. Many fear that under a Trump presidency that Ryan will finally have an opportunity to turn Medicare over to private companies who care more about turning a profit that the health care of tens of millions of America’s senior citizens.
Donald Trump has done little to allay fears of Medicare cuts as his choice for Secretary of Health and Human Services, Rep. Tom Price, has introduced legislation in the past that made it easier for doctors to enter into private contracts with Medicare beneficiaries.